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Doctor insights on:
Chlamydia

Chlamydia (Overview)

Chlamydia is a curable sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. This bacteria infects mucous membranes of the urethra, vagina, cervix, anus, rectum, eyelid, and throat. Chlamydia may be asymptomatic but some patients experience pain or burning during urination, nausea, fever, vaginal discharge, and lower abdominal pain.

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A kind of bacteria:
Chlamydia is a bacteria. The the most common types are transmitted sexually, i.e. it's an STD. In some developing countries, some chlamydia types cause eye infections in children and are passed nonsexually by contact with infected people, by contact with shared clothing or sheets, and by flies. A related germ called Chlamydophila causes bronchitis and pneumonia.
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Chlamydia (Overview)

Chlamydia is a curable sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. This bacteria infects mucous membranes of the urethra, vagina, cervix, anus, rectum, eyelid, and throat. Chlamydia may be asymptomatic but some patients experience pain or burning during urination, nausea, fever, vaginal discharge, and lower abdominal pain.

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Unprotected sex:
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection passed by transmitting body fluids from one person to another. Chlamydia can be acquired through vaginal, anal and oral sex. You can not catch chlamydia through casual contact. Avoiding intercourse is the only 100% way to protect yourself. Condoms are very effective in decreasing the risk.
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Not so much.:
Most people w chlamydia don’t have sxs. That is why it’s called a silent std. Sxs can include: vaginal discharge, bleeding w intercourse or btwn periods, nausea, fever, painful intercourse, ; lower abdominal ; back pain. Men can experience discharge, burning w urination, itching at opening of the penis (urethra) ; less often – pain/ swelling of testes. It can lead to rectal pain, bleeding ; d/c.
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Often asymptomatic:
The majority of women with chlamydia infection have no symptoms. Some women and men experience pain with urination or sex, or abnormal discharge from the genitals. If you have had unprotected sex, or have a new partner, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to be tested for std's.
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By sexual contact!:
Chlamydia on the surface may seem like a mild venereal disease, but in truth, devastating consequences can occur, including infertility, arthritis, etc. It is the number one cause for infant blindness in the underdeveloped world. Direct vaginal/penile contact is usually required. Nearly 25% of young singles have already acquired the disease and are unaware! Barrier sex (condom) and/or abstinence!
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Possibly:
The testing needs adequate concentration of organisms to prove their presence. A positive result is to be trusted, but a negative occasionally will be incorrect. Additionally, about 50% of women will not have obvious symptoms and 10% for men.
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Varies:
Chlamydia is known as the "silent std", because there are often no symptoms of the infection. However, many women with chlamydia will have an increased vaginal discharge, some will have pelvic and/or lower abdominal pain, some will have pain with intercourse, and some will run a fever - depending on the extent and severity of the infection. If you have been exposed to chlamydia, see your doctor.
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Age, sexual risks:
First, anyone who is sexually active and has symptoms that can be caused by chlamydia, i.e. penile or vaginal discharge, uncomfortable urination, etc. With no symptoms, standard recommendations (e.g. by CDC) are for routine testing at least once a year of all women up to age 20 if they have ever had sex; also those 21-30 with >1 partner, partner with other partners, etc. Uncommon after age 30.
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